Bébinn: For All Your Pro-Choice Needs!

I was going to get things done today, but then Call the Midwife happened.

Fri, 24 May 2013 13:18:26 -0500

I was going to get things done today, but then Call the Midwife happened.

abortionassistanceblog: Just wanted to thank you all so much for existing. Your blog helped me...

Fri, 24 May 2013 10:50:52 -0500

Just wanted to thank you all so much for existing. Your blog helped me connect with a woman who needed a little help with transportation; long story short, we ended up spending a LOT of time in my car together over two days and it was awesome. I got to meet her friends and see her neighborhood, and have the experience of watching someone do one of the bravest, most difficult things a woman can do and handle it with grace and humor. Thank you so much for connecting us, and please keep up the good work.

-betterlivingthroughneon

That is so great! Thank you so much for taking the time to write about it!

Yay!

plannedparenthood: Someone asked us: Does the approval for sale of Plan B to girls 15 and older...

Fri, 24 May 2013 10:17:07 -0500

plannedparenthood:

Someone asked us:

Does the approval for sale of Plan B to girls 15 and older include approval for the sale of the generic for Plan B? Sometimes Plan B can be costly, and the generic is much more affordable. I realize it’s the same drug so it should also be approved, but I wanted to check since it wasn’t mentioned at all in the article.

That’s a good question, and one a lot of people have been wondering about.

In case you missed it, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently decided that Plan B One-Step, one brand of emergency contraception, could be sold over the counter to anyone 15 or older. That means in the near future, you will be able to find Plan B in the “family planning aisle” of drug stores, and purchase it with proof of age. This is a change from where it’s been – behind the counter at the pharmacy.

This new policy only applies to the Plan B One-Step brand. The reason behind that is basically because the manufacturer of Plan B applied for a change with the FDA, and the FDA accepted this company’s application. Right now, we don’t know exactly when Plan B will be available over the counter. It will probably take a few months for the company that makes Plan B to make new packaging and get it out on shelves. You can ask your local drugstore and check back with us for updates.

Your local Planned Parenthood health center may carry brands other than Plan B, and/or may be able to charge less for emergency contraception. Your local drugstore may also carry alternative brands, like Next Choice. If you know you’ll want this brand of EC, and you’re under 17 (the current age requirement for purchasing any EC over the counter), it might be a good idea to get a prescription or the pill itself ahead of time, before you need it. That way you have it when you need it, or can get it quickly in case of an emergency.

You can read more about emergency contraception and how to get it on our website.

- Alex at Planned Parenthood

Birth control in sex ed classes passes Illinois Senate

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:50:23 -0500

Birth control in sex ed classes passes Illinois Senate:

SPRINGFIELD —- Illinois public schools that teach sex education will be required to provide information about birth control under a measure the Senate sent to Gov. Pat Quinn on Wednesday.

This would still allow schools to opt out of providing sex education entirely, but now schools that do teach it have to include methods of birth control, and can’t rely on abstinence-only courses. It’s a start!

Hi! Quick question. I've been on birth control since I've been sexually active. I had been off of birth control since my last period (a little over a month ago at this point) and I haven't had sex or anything since then, but my period isn't showing up. Is there a possibility that I'm pregnant (even though I had my period last month) or could it just be that I stopped the birth control? Thanks in advance for your help :)

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:08:44 -0500

Hey Brittany! If your birth control was hormonal, your body’s probably just readjusting itself after those hormones were removed. Even people whose periods are usually like clockwork sometimes go off their schedule (like how mine came three days early last month…SIGH). If you haven’t had sex since your last period, that’d be a pretty stubborn little embryo that managed to be conceived on birth control and hold onto your uterine lining through your period!

I’m not a medical professional, so this answer is just based on what I’ve read and my own experiences. If you’re really concerned, or if your period doesn’t come in the next few days, you can take a pregnancy test for your own peace of mind.

Hope this answered your question!

boggletheowl: To be honest, I think anger is really healthy in...

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:42:50 -0500

boggletheowl:

To be honest, I think anger is really healthy in situations like this. It is so easy to turn your negative feelings about your assault inwards. Society will push as hard as it can to make you blame yourself. Maybe moving past your anger will be a part of your healing, but until you’re ready to take that step—and you don’t have to be, ever, if you don’t want that—I think it’s much better to keep your negative feelings fixed outwards, on your attacker, where they belong.

It is not fair that you are the one who has to cull your social circle after what’s happened, but making this public means putting your suffering on display in a way you maybe really don’t want to, and opening yourself up to be doubted and judged, and you have every right to choose not to go through that. I support you and believe you no matter what.

Hi there. I’m an 18 year old from CA, and I’m late on my period. It is possible I may...

Tue, 21 May 2013 16:47:00 -0500

Hi there. I’m an 18 year old from CA, and I’m late on my period. It is possible I may have to consider abortion, and before I found this blog I was really scared. It’s really comforting to know there’s a place with so much support and assistance, especially since my dad is pro-life and would possibly kick me out if he knew. If I go to a Planned Parenthood does it cost me anything? I’d only be ~6 weeks, is nonsurgical an option? I wouldn’t know how to go about this… :(

I’m so glad you found the Abortion Assistance Blog! I’d recommend reading through a question I answered a couple of days ago about a late period before making plans to get an abortion - it’s possible you may be late for some other reason. Don’t panic yet!

If you’re interested in learning more about abortion procedures, I wrote up a series, Abortion Procedures, a while back. Yes, if you are under 6 weeks since your last missed period, you’d probably get a medication abortion, which consists of two pills taken orally a couple of days apart. The cost, according to Planned Parenthood, can range from $300-$800, which I assume depends on which clinic you visit and your ability to pay, among other factors. You’ll have to call the clinic you plan on visiting to get an exact price. There are 85 Planned Parenthoods that perform abortions in California, so take a look and see which one is closest.

If you’re afraid you can’t find that much money, you have a few options. Planned Parenthood often offers services on a sliding scale, meaning they’ll only charge you based on what you can afford. Some may work out a payment plan or have abortion funds of their own, which the clinic will be able to tell you. For more ideas for raising money, check out AAB’s “Abortion Funds” page. There are a number of individuals in your state willing to help out with the cost, as well as state and nation-wide abortion funds, insurance, and Medicaid.

Good luck, and don’t hesitate to message me again!

Its been nearly two weeks since my abortion. I have not reached out to anyone or any organization...

Mon, 20 May 2013 15:43:02 -0500

Its been nearly two weeks since my abortion. I have not reached out to anyone or any organization before or after my procedure. a few people know that i had it done, but only those who need to know. i couldn’t be 100% alone with it. I do not regret my decision, but I still feel sad. I am happy that i am no longer pregnant, but i feel guilty for ending what could have been. i was only 6 weeks, so i tell myself it was just a sac. What should i do? Should i talk to someone or just move on?

No one can ever tell you to move on from something that’s obviously important to you. There can be a lot of complicated thoughts and emotions surrounding the decision to have an abortion, and I hope you can believe that they really are all normal. Sometimes there is no perfect choice that will make you completely happy - just the best one you could have made.

Pregnancy does mean potential, and so does abortion. You aren’t having a baby now, but you are going on to accomplish other things. Any time you make that tough choice to take one path over another, you’ll wonder about those what-ifs. And you can be relieved and guilty at the same time, for lots of different reasons.

I can’t tell you what to do, but I can show you some options. The Abortion Assistance Blog’s “Need Someone To Talk To?” page lists four post-abortion hotlines staffed by kind, nonjudgmental people who understand and validate the myriad of abortion experiences. They provide a listening ear and a sounding board.

If you’re not ready to talk to someone, on the phone or in person, I’d recommend journaling or some other creative output. There’s a lot you can tap into and sort through non-verbally (speaking as a future music therapist, here!), which can be especially valuable for complicated experiences like yours.

Self-care is important after an abortion, and for the rest of your life. There are lots of resources for self-care just a Google search away, but my favorite strategies are these:

Watch funny shows and movies
Write, draw, cut and paste, color in a coloring book
Lie in bed and listen to music
Exercise or take a walk
Eat food that makes you feel good
Cry when you need to
Meditate or pray
Be with friends

I hope this helped, anon. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can do. There are lots of people offering support through Tumblr and email on AAB’s #support tag, and there is a collection of stories under AAB’s “Abortion Stories” page. Best, best wishes to you.

From the Abortion Assistance Blog: antiprolife said: I’d say making a FB page separate from your...

Mon, 20 May 2013 11:16:48 -0500

From the Abortion Assistance Blog:

antiprolife said: I’d say making a FB page separate from your person FB could be beneficial, but it definitely would receive a lot more hate from anti-choicers, because they apparently LIVE on Facebook. I’ve never seen so many in one place except FB before.

That’s the issue I’m most concerned about. The blog is not a place for arguments, hate, harassment, or stalking. AAB is a place where people show love and support for complete strangers through their willingness to sacrifice time, money, energy, and space for them. I’m not interested in attracting the attention of lowlifes just yet.

fuckyeahsexeducation: This blog brought to you by someone from...

Sun, 19 May 2013 15:26:40 -0500

fuckyeahsexeducation:

This blog brought to you by someone from one of those grey states.

Anonymous asked: I’m really scared. And I don’t know what to do. I’m late in my...

Sun, 19 May 2013 12:27:00 -0500

Anonymous asked:

I’m really scared. And I don’t know what to do. I’m late in my cycle, and the last time I had sex, the contraception might not have been fully effective. I don’t want to be a mom, but I’m not old enough to fully make that decision if I need to.

Hi, anon! The first step will be to take a pregnancy test - that is, if your period doesn’t beat you to it! Sometimes we’re late because of stress, weight changes, illness, other medications, or for no apparent reason at all. Womenshealth.gov says most home pregnancy tests are effective starting about a week after a missed period, since that’s about how long it takes for an egg to implant in your uterus. Implantation stimulates the production of hCG, the hormone pregnancy tests detect.

If the pregnancy test is positive, do you have anyone to talk to? A friend, partner, family member, teacher, clergy member, or other community member could be a good listener while you figure things out. There are also a couple of hotlines you can call: Backline provides peer counseling and support for people who are making/have made pregnancy and parenting decisions, and the National Abortion Federation hotline provides similar support, though more specifically geared toward abortion.

Unintended pregnancy can be scary and overwhelming, and it’s totally normal not to know what you want right away. Sometimes, there may not be a “right” answer - just the best one you can make in this moment. I believe you can do this, anon. You are capable of more than you think. Please message me again if there’s anything else I can do.

My Exhale Blog Post

Sat, 18 May 2013 09:19:26 -0500

My Exhale Blog Post:

forthecatholicgirls:

girlswithvoices:

Heres a part of my abortion journey. It captures the ever changing relationship I have with my abortion experience, and the strength that I used to work past guilt and grief.

-Kate

“Check out Kate’s blog post ‘Letting It Go,’ a story about releasing expectations of life after an abortion and learning to love life for new possibilities that may take you by surprise. Thank you, Kate, for sharing your story!”

-Exhales Facebook page, made me blush!

This really resonated with me. Thank you. <3

Behind the scenes of the Abortion Assistance Blog! Mmm,...

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:31:34 -0500

Behind the scenes of the Abortion Assistance Blog! Mmm, spreadsheets.

Paula's Story

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:47:27 -0500

mssswitch:

shareyourabortionstory:

At the age of 22 I found out I had become pregnant. I was in college
at the time and was sustaining a very low budget lifestyle.
Immediately I knew I wanted an abortion. I was in a long term
relationship and had the full backing and support of my partner.
Neither of us felt any of our other options were feasible.
One of the crippling issues to deal with once this decision was made
was how we could possibly afford to travel and pay for the abortion.
Unlike many others, we were lucky enough to find the money in time.
Unfortunately there was the added stress of my college exams which
were fast approaching. As a result I had no other option but to fly to
England, get the abortion and fly back in the same day. If abortion
was available in Ireland I would never have had so much unneeded extra
stress. When the abortive process came into full affect I was in the
airport waiting for my flight home. These are the factors that come in
to play when women are subject to archaic laws set in place by a State
that does not consider the impacts it can have on individual women’s
lived experiences.
I have never regretted my decision to have an abortion. I was capable
of finishing my degree and moving my life in a direction that I wanted
it to go in. A child or a pregnancy carried to full term was not
something I wanted at that stage in my life. Unfortunately the
experience was made much more difficult financially, mentally and
physically because Ireland does not offer this service to the hundreds
of women who seek it every year.
Abortion did not tear my life apart. It gave me the opportunity to
live a life I wanted and gave me the full autonomy to decide what I
wanted to do with my body.

Hey peoples, this is a new blog featuring stories of people in Ireland who had abortions. It’s still mostly illegal here, so accessing one can be a nightmare.

Exhales Guide to Publicly Telling Your Story

Thu, 16 May 2013 01:56:23 -0500

Exhales Guide to Publicly Telling Your Story:

girlswithvoices:

Thinking about sharing your abortion experience but aren’t sure how? Here are some great questions to focus on.

It was really hard for me to craft my story, it felt so raw and personal, it wasn’t until someone told me I could leave out whatever I wanted that I felt safe doing it. I love sharing different parts of my journey, even though its hard sometimes. That being said I have never received negative feedback from telling my story, it has been extremely freeing. :)

Under siege: North Dakota's last abortion clinic fights on

Tue, 14 May 2013 22:24:59 -0500

Under siege: North Dakota's last abortion clinic fights on:

stfuprolifers:

The state capital is home to the last facility offering terminations. And as laws tighten across America, the pro-life movement is starting to scent victory…

Abortion providers view the backlash of recent years – spurred in part by the conservative sweep of the 2010 mid-term elections – with dread. They see the Gosnell case as an example of what happens with a clinic if it is not properly regulated by competent overseers: something that would happen a lot more if abortion was made impossible to get in any single state and back-alley abortions returned to America.

But in states such as North Dakota, which now faces a genuine threat to its last clinic, that prospect might become a reality. If it did, Kromenaker believes, it would be a disaster. Abortion would not stop, as its opponents would hope – instead, it would simply disappear into the dangerous shadows. It would also make abortion a class issue. In states with no clinics, only richer women would be able to afford to travel elsewhere to get the procedure done.

Meanwhile, poor women who did not want to be pregnant would have to go through with undesired births. “Whether or not you have children is a right for all women and it should not depend on where you live or how much you earn. We don’t want North Dakotans to be second-class citizens,” said Julie Rikelman, policy director at the Center for Reproductive Rights, a group that is providing legal help in fighting many of the new anti-abortion laws.

The anti-choicers supporting this are only creating an atmosphere that another Gosnell could thrive in.

SMH at people who don’t think abortion is already a class issue.

Bébinn: For All Your Pro-Choice Needs!: I could not resist.

Tue, 14 May 2013 19:37:36 -0500

Bébinn: For All Your Pro-Choice Needs!: I could not resist. :

girlswithvoices:

girlswithvoices:

I hate the way our society deals with abortion.

Instead of using the Gosnell case to further your political motives, why don’t you write a letter to the families who are forever affected by these tragedies.

Why don’t you set aside your pitch forks and come together around…

Gosnell himself preyed on naive women, not laws, a real person. If women were more educated on late term abortions this would not have happened, and if there is anything the pro life movement is good at its ranting about LTAs like its going out of style. The pro choice movement is the one that hardly addresses late term abortions (which makes sense, because they are so rare, and heartbreaking), and only just recently released the locations that women can receive the procedure from (I think its three doctors in the whole country.)

Our society as a whole rejects poor, working class, immigrant women. We refuse to learn other languages, or give people a helping hand. Our entire agenda as a nation (not the pro life or pro choice side) contributes to the exploitation of women like this. And finger pointing does’t make it any better.

That’s what I’m talking about when I talk about stigma, cutting funding for health care clinics that serve that demographic, and abstinence-only policies and the funding they get from the government, to name a few. Those are problems we all play our part in, and that we all need to address. What happened to those women didn’t happen in a social vacuum, as you pointed out - nor did it happen in a political one.

As an aside, while there certainly aren’t enough, there are more than three late-term abortion providers. I indicated clinics that provide abortions up to and after 21 weeks in the list on the Abortion Assistance Blog, and there are 78 of those. About a third of those perform them up to or past 24 weeks. Five perform them up to 26 weeks, and three perform them past 26 weeks, which maybe is what you were thinking of?

I could not resist.

Tue, 14 May 2013 17:03:41 -0500

girlswithvoices:

I hate the way our society deals with abortion.

Instead of using the Gosnell case to further your political motives, why don’t you write a letter to the families who are forever affected by these tragedies.

Why don’t you set aside your pitch forks and come together around the pain we feel for everyone involved.

Pennsylvania has no abortion restrictions besides the ones appointed by Roe V Wade, so no abortion restrictions weren’t the cause of this.

Most abortions take place way before these abortions did, so no this is not what abortion, abortion doctors, and abortion clinics look like. (Ive had an abortion, and spoken to hundreds of other women who have, if you have questions, why don’t you asked us, instead of assuming?)

A hateful situation has simply created more hate.

These women deserved better. They deserved to be taken care of by loving, kind, doctors. They deserved honesty, compassion, and safety. And now they deserve respect, an ethical outlet for their experiences to be shared, and open minded listening.

For those of you who are genuinely curious about late term abortions please find the stories of the brave woman who have posted them online, I’ve reblogged some on this blog as well.

To point to any one incident and say “This! This is the face of abortion/women/doctors/restrictions” is ridiculous.

I know what it feels like for people to use your abortion experience to further their cause, it makes you feel worthless. The women affected by Gosnells crimes are not worthless, they are worthy of better.

Instead of wanting to go out and vote, I want to go out and offer any support I can to anyone involved. Thats the difference between Pro Voice and Pro Choice/Life.

#RantOver

I appreciate your sentiment, but the majority of Gosnell’s victims were young, poor, and often immigrants or non-native English speakers. That’s not a coincidence, it is related to anti-choice legislation and stigma, and it needs to be addressed.

I am so thankful for Scott Walker.

Tue, 14 May 2013 16:57:10 -0500

she-who-loves-the-rain:

ladycontrarian:

Thanks to him, at least 4 Planned Parenthood clinics are closing in Wisconsin.

Thankfully it’s only between April-July. 23 other PPL clinics are open.

If it was permanent it would lead to delayed treatment for STD’s and cancer, and later abortions since the other clinics have to treat the closed clinics had. It could actually lead to more abortions since the women getting birth control from those clinics could not get it anymore and would have to wait longer to get prescriptions.

Yeah lucky Wisconsin -.-

Scott Walker of course have a private doctor if he gets prostate cancer so this will not affect him.

Only three of the 27 Planned Parenthoods in Wisconsin provide abortions, and none of them are closing. If Walker’s trying to make a point, I hope he knows he’s failing.

I didn’t see anything about the closures being temporary, though. Source?

shortformblog: Dr. Kermit Gosnell was found guilty of murder on...

Mon, 13 May 2013 15:44:42 -0500

shortformblog:

Dr. Kermit Gosnell was found guilty of murder on Monday, for performing late-term abortions on three babies at a clinic which serves low-income women in Philadelphia. He was also found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, and 21 counts of performing an abortion after 24 weeks of pregnancy. Gosnell faces the death penalty for his crimes, and sentencing is expected next week. (Photo via MicahFries.com) source

No words for his crimes. My thoughts are with his victims and their families.